Bengaluru, 20 May

Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and actress Pavithra Gowda appeared before the 57th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCCH) on Tuesday, along with other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case.

Accused No 3, Pawan, was absent, while the court granted Nagaraju (Accused No 11) permission to travel to Hospete for a separate case. Pavithra was also allowed to travel out of state for 15 days. Following a request from the defence for more time, the court adjourned the hearing to 10 July.

Darshan had previously drawn criticism for skipping acourt hearing on 8 April citing back pain, only to appear at a film premiere the next evening. The court expressed displeasure over his absence.

All 17 accused, including Darshan and Pavithra, are currently out on conditional bail requiring court attendance.

Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly murdered on 9 June 2023. Darshan spent 131 days in custody before receiving interim bail on medical grounds. Regular bail was granted to both actors on 13 December by the Karnataka High Court.